Requires electric utility corporations, energy services companies and municipalities to provide an itemized breakdown on all monthly bills detailing infrastructure costs, contributions to the New York Power Authority, and other public utility investments.
Impact
The implementation of A09096 is expected to significantly impact the way utility companies communicate billing information to their customers, potentially changing the state laws related to consumer protection in utility services. The bill requires the Public Service Commission to establish uniform standards for the itemized bills to ensure consistency and clarity across different service providers. This move is positioned as a step towards greater accountability in the energy sector, focusing on consumer rights and informed expenditure.
Summary
Bill A09096 aims to enhance transparency in utility billing for consumers by mandating electric utility corporations, energy services companies, and municipalities to include an itemized breakdown of charges on monthly bills. This legislation intends to clarify how customer payments are allocated for infrastructure, contributions to the New York Power Authority, and other utility investments. By requiring detailed disclosures, the bill seeks to bolster consumer trust and promote informed discussions regarding energy policy.
Contention
While the bill is largely aimed at improving consumer knowledge and fostering confidence in utility services, there could be debates over the administrative burdens it places on utility companies. Proponents argue that such transparency will benefit consumers, particularly in understanding their bills better and fostering a dialogue on utility costs. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about whether the regulations could lead to increased operational costs for utility providers, which could ultimately be passed on to consumers. Any changes in how surcharges and fees are disclosed might also provoke discussions on their inherent justifications and impacts on rates.
Prohibits utility corporations from charging customers for gas or electric service which was rendered more than three months of the monthly billing period; requires utility corporations to provide a thirteen-month usage history in their bills.
Prohibits utility corporations from charging customers for gas or electric service which was rendered more than three months of the monthly billing period; requires utility corporations to provide a thirteen-month usage history in their bills.
Enacts the "New York utility corporation securitization act"; allows electric corporations to petition the public service commission for authority to issue storm recovery bonds.
Enacts the "New York utility corporation securitization act"; allows electric corporations to petition the public service commission for authority to issue storm recovery bonds.
Establishes the downstate New York power authority to own and operate electricity service and acquire the distribution facilities formerly owned by any downstate utility corporation.
Establishes the downstate New York power authority to own and operate electricity service and acquire the distribution facilities formerly owned by any downstate utility corporation.
Prohibits utility corporations from charging customers for gas or electric service which was rendered more than two months prior to the mailing of the first bill to the customer; requires utility corporations to provide a two-year history of charges in their bills.